To this reviewer, the An-2 has always been a favorite aircraft. Here is a real anachronism; a somewhat modern, large biplane transport. However, it has been wildly successful, having been built from 1947 to 1978. Even today, there are upgrades to a turboprop An-3 that are being offered.

While this kit focuses on the military side of things, it wasn't the military for which this plane was developed. It was to be used as a short hop commuter, crop duster and general transport with the ability to operate from small, unimproved surfaces. And that is just what it does. The two wings give it the kind of lift it needs to perform STOL operations and the single large round recip engine give it the power that it needs. Even with 1,000 hp, this aircraft can barely top out at 200mph and usually operates at much slower speeds.

In addition to wheels, the An-2 has operated on skis and even floats (which makes it even slower!). In airline service it can carry 14 passengers. The type has also been built in the thousands in Poland and China as well. Here in the US there are several operating as 'warbirds' and the US Army has several that it operates in the desert as part of its desert training courses. Having seen this plane close up, I can tell you that it really is quite large!

Though it is in an Italeri box, I have a sneaking suspicion that this really is a Bilek kit. I say that as most of the parts have some mold flash, something I've noticed on most Bilek kits. There are huge ejector pin marks on the seat backs and a few parts have sink areas, though nothing that can't be fixed.  Overall detailing is quite good and engraved. The cockpit offers a pair of seats, control columns and a nice instrument console. There is no cabin detail at all. The ailerons/flaps have to be held proud of the trailing edges by a number of hinges; the distance given is .5 mm. The cockpit canopy is undercut so all the smaller undercut pieces are provided separately. You have the option of placing the aircraft on wheels or skis. No positive locators are provided for several of the smaller bits or the additional wheel struts, but drawings are provided showing distance from known features for these parts.

Instructions are very good, providing eight major construction steps, one of them being a rigging diagram with all the wire lengths and diameters being given in a chart. Markings are for four aircraft. Three of these are in dark green over light blue from the Soviet Union, Poland and Hungary (old insignia). The other is from the now defunct East German AF in Dark Green/Brown upper surfaces and Light Blue undersides. These camo colors are provided as FS and ModelMaster colors references. Decals are very nicely printed and should work just fine.